Protecting Our Clients’ Best Interests at Every Step
Because our clients always come first, Gray Ritter Graham has earned the respect of the legal community throughout Missouri and the Midwest. That’s why other attorneys regularly refer their clients to us. More important are the results we have achieved for our clients — compensation that helps ease the many difficulties that are a part of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death caused by serious accidents.
GRG was founded in 1946 by attorney Charles E. Gray. He was joined by Robert F. Ritter in 1968. In 2000, the firm merged with The Graham Law Firm led by Maurice B. Graham. The firm has 13 lawyers and a support staff that includes legal assistants, paralegals, nurse paralegals and law clerks. Our clients benefit from the combined experience of all our attorneys and staff.
At Gray Ritter Graham in St. Louis, our clients always come first. That priority leads every activity in the firm. From the cheerful greeting as you enter the lobby to the careful attention your case receives all the way to the courtroom, you will know that we are fully committed to representing your interests.
Award-Winning Law Firm and Attorneys
Gray Ritter Graham received a Band 1 rating – the highest given – for “Litigation: Mainly Plaintiffs” in the 2021 edition of Chambers and Partners, a leading lawyer and law firm ranking directory in the United States and worldwide. Four GRG attorneys also received a 2021 Chambers Band 1 rating for “Litigation: Mainly Plaintiffs”:
GRG congratulates our attorneys who have been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their professional excellence. Twelve attorneys are included in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. They are: Maurice B. Graham, Stephen R. Woodley, Patrick J. Hagerty, Don M. Downing, Joan M. Lockwood, Morry S. Cole, Gretchen Garrison, M. Graham Dobbs, Thomas K. Neill, Kaitlin A. Bridges, and Cort A. VanOstran.
When we take a case, we do so with complete confidence in our ability to serve the client well in all of our practice areas. Referring attorneys and former clients demonstrate their confidence in us when they recommend us to their clients, family and friends.
2
Teamwork
Every case at GRG benefits from a team approach. Lawyers, legal assistants and paralegals are a part of each case team. The most important member of each team is the client, who we keep informed and closely involved in all decision-making.
3
Experience
When we examine evidence, take depositions, consult with experts, negotiate with defendants and litigate in courtrooms in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and throughout the region, our experience is evident. We have been recognized statewide and nationally for the success we bring to our clients. Our past experience includes defense work, which gives added depth and strength to our case strategies.
4
Preparation
Each and every case is built on thorough preparation using computer technology and consultation with experts. Our courtroom presentations are enhanced by the latest in audio and visual technology.
Nine attorneys and the firm itself have an AV Peer Review Rating* from Martindale-Hubbell law directory, which is the highest possible rating.
Maurice B. Graham
Stephen R. Woodley
Patrick J. Hagerty
Don M. Downing
Joan M. Lockwood
Morry S. Cole
M. Graham Dobbs
Thomas K. Neill
The “A” signifies the highest level of legal ability, while the “V” denotes a very high adherence to the professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence. GRG is also listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers — America’s most exclusive directory of attorneys.
In addition to the honors listed above, 10 GRG attorneys have been named Super Lawyers and four have been named to the Rising Stars list by Super Lawyers Magazine.
Maurice B. Graham
(Top 10 Attorneys in Missouri & Kansas – only St. Louis attorney listed; Top 50 St. Louis in the area of Personal Injury Plaintiff – Medical Litigation)
Stephen R. Woodley
(Super Lawyer in the areas of Personal Injury Plaintiff – Medical Litigation)
Patrick J. Hagerty
(Super Lawyer in the area of Transportation/Maritime)
Don M. Downing
(Top 100 Missouri & Kansas; Top 50 St. Louis in the area of Business Litigation)
Joan M. Lockwood
(Top 100 Missouri & Kansas; Top 50 Female Missouri & Kansas in the area of Personal Injury Plaintiff – General Litigation)
Morry S. Cole
(Top 100 Missouri & Kansas; Top 50 St. Louis in the area of Personal Injury Plaintiff – General Litigation)
When clients come to us, their cases involve serious personal or financial injury, or wrongful death. It costs nothing to call and ask us to review your case. Contact us as soon as possible so that we can preserve the evidence and begin our investigation.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
In 2013, the firm received the following Corporate INTL Magazine Legal Awards:
Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year in Missouri
Insurance & Reinsurance Law Firm of the Year in Missouri
Corporate INTL magazine is a London-based publication with a readership of business leaders, professional advisers and providers of finance throughout the world.
Gray Ritter Graham attorneys have also been honored with memberships in the most prestigious trial lawyer organizations in the world. These professional associations enable our attorneys to remain current with the latest developments in the legal community. Included are memberships in the International Society of Barristers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Our principal attorneys have held leadership positions in these organizations throughout the history of the firm.
Because of our professional reputation and careful screening of cases for merit, many other professionals, including physicians, economists, engineers and other experts, (who normally will not get involved in litigation) are willing to consult with our firm and provide testimonies where appropriate.
At Gray Ritter Graham, the client is always our one and only priority. Our firm uses a team approach to provide effective and powerful client representation. In most instances, two attorneys, a professional legal assistant and experienced support staff work together on behalf of the client. This well-planned and closely monitored approach, in which the contributions of all team members are incorporated into one focused effort on behalf of the client, is the underlying foundation of our strategy and our success.
